Disabled adaptations are changes to a person’s home (including access in/out and their garden) to make it suitable for their needs. Adaptations may be needed for an occupant with a disability to:
- be able to get into and out of the home
- move around within the home
- be safe within the home
- access essential facilities including bathing and cooking
Adaptations are designed to meet the needs of the individual and can include a very wide range of different types of work tailored to the person and their home. The definition of disability is broad: it may be something someone is born with, or a condition that has developed and is expected to last a long time. It includes sensory impairments, as well as cognitive and neurological conditions that impact on daily living.
Disabled Adaptations can be carried out for adults or children.
Usually, an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) will recommend adaptations. In some circumstances, referrals can be taken from other health or care professionals. Cumberland Home Improvement Agency (CHIA) can organise the assessment and will work with any other professionals to ensure the recommendations will meet the needs.
We can arrange home assessments for people who may need a home adaptation and can provide advice on grants and other funding that may be available. The following sections describe some funding options.
Some minor adaptations may be completed under Home Safety and Handypersons Service, or as part of Home from Hospital/ Avoiding Hospital Admissions.
Cumberland Council also offers a Discretionary DFG for small works costing up to £7,500. See Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants for more information.